Memphis NT Dontari Poe Says Casey Hampton Is One Of His Favorite Players

The Pittsburgh Steelers most certainly will be in the market for a young nose tackle in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft and all eyes have been on Memphis Tigers junior nose tackle Dontari Poe for some time now. On Saturday, the defensive linemen were center stage at the 2012 NFL combine in Indianapolis and Poe is already playing up to the Steelers during his interview with the media following his official weigh-in session.

As Scott Brownreports from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Poe let it be known that veteran Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton is one of his favorite players. When Poe was asked what he liked best about Hampton he said, “He’s one of the more aggressive defensive tackles that this league has seen. His hand strength, once he gets his hands on you he controls you. That’s probably what I admire most about him.” Poe added about Hampton, “I’ve always followed him. Being one of the best as he is I’ve followed him for a long time.” Brown also reports that Poe said he has not yet gone through the interview process yet, but that will all likely change this evening, as the Steelers will certainly use one of their 60 allowed interview sessions to talk to Poe.

Poe on Hampton: “I’ve always followed him. Being one of the best as he is I’ve followed him for a long time.”

Poe measured in at the combine on Saturday at 6 foot 4 and he weighed 346 pounds. He is known to be a workout warrior that loves the weight room and Brown reported that he certainly looks it and that he didn\’t look like he had a lot of flab on him for a player of his size. He also told the media that he hoped to bench 225 pounds, 40 times this week.

Hampton, who Poe talked so glowingly about, is heading into the final year of his contract and is currently recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee that suffered early in the AFC Wild Card game against the Denver Broncos. He could be a candidate to start the season on the PUP list if he is not ready by week 1 and general manager Kevin Colbert said earlier in the week that they he still sees Hampton being on the roster in 2012 and contributing whenever he is ready.

Poe will get to show off his athleticism on Monday when the defensive line draft hopefuls hit the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Poe will also be able to workout for teams at the Memphis Pro Day which is currently scheduled for March 22nd. You can bet the Steelers will have people there.

Do you see the Steelers trying to move up to get him? I know it is not out of the question, but I don’t see them giving up any low to mid round draft picks this year. they have been hitting on those 2nd and 3rd rounders lately.

seventhtrophyontheway

Worley from mich st is an option as well……

John B.

i REALLY hope we get this guy.

Intropy

Poe looks like a good player, but I think Ta’amu looks just as promising and has a decent chance of being available mid to late round 2.

Intropy

I don’t think it’ll be necessary to move up in round 1 to take Poe. I think it’ll take too much moving up in round 2 for that. If there’s any movement to try to get Poe, I think it would actually be down not up.

JerryCola

Right after Hightower, Poe would be second on my list of players in this draft I would want on the Steelers next year. If the Steelers decide not to match an offer sheet from another team for Mike Wallace, I would like to see them manuever those two 1st round draft choices to get both Poe and Hightower.

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